JJ winces a little as Terram talks about piercing eyes.
"That sounds like of painful Terram. " he says.
Eyes...always eyes..
"Terram.." he says, leaning closer. "Have you heard of Smoking Eye at all?"
Patch is whiling to talk to Marigold "Nothing is wrong. The children keep their usual business. They obey the professors." the half-orc turns to check at Terrem "If only, Terrem results much more creepy than ever to the others. They avoid playing with him. But this was like that before too anyway..." he then seems to hesitate and approaches Marigold's ear and whispers something.
Terrem smiles wide and cheerful at Juraan "A bow?! Of course!! Can you do that? I promise I will be good, I will be good, please tell Gretchyn, I will learn to use the bow with you, I will!"
The boy is enthusiastic about bowing and almost pays no attention at JJ questioning, but he says no with the head "An eye that smokes? Is that even possible?"
Jenya arcs an eyebrow "I know where you want to go with it. I have never tried such a deed but I have seen Sarcem Delasharn do it" the woman seems to become a bit sad at this point "I can definitely try. Please, bring me holy water and incense"
The leader of St. Cuthbert walks into the oratory where she kneels and starts praying "Abadar, grant me the knowledge to commune with you"
After a long while, when Kikinnin and Ryan bring the incense, Jenya starts a prayer with a different cadence. After some minutes, she open her eyes and nods to Kikinnin. The dwarf's questions are repeated by the cleric and then she speaks up with a different voice, a booming but sweet voice, to answer herself.
"Should Gemma be moved from Cauldron to Malachite?"
Unclear
"Is there healing powerful enough to bring Gemma back on my own?"
Yes
"Should Gemma be allowed to pass away from this Life?"
No
"Is Marigold in trouble, for the mark on her forehead?"
Yes
"Does someone want Terrem in the same way someone wanted Zenith?"
Yes
"Do the Cauldron Watchers already know our enemy personally?"
Unclear
"Can we protect Marigold and Terrem successfully?"
Unclear
"Will Zenith remain buried?"
No
"Is Malachite safe now?"
Unclear
After the last question Jenya breathes deeply and remain sit for some seconds before she stands up recovered from the commune session.The woman smiles wide satisfied, "It seems Abadar has answered your questions"
"R-really? A-g-gain???" Marigold gapes, not sure if she's more amazed or indignant at the revelation. "Th-this...w-we need to look into th-this, it's n-not good! W-why d-do they w-want T-Terrem so b-bad?"
She shakes her head. "I'll h-have to t-tell the o-others, m-maybe we can f-figure something out."
Then, she gives Patch an encouraging pat on the shoulder. "D-Don't w-worry Patch. I b-believe you, okay? I know you w-wouldn't d-do anything to h-hurt T-Terrem or any of the other ch-children."
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At the orphanage JJ gives Jurran a wry smile. "I think you have stolen my little brother's heart."
Happy that the boy has someone to talk to, he sits down with Gretchyn and his other little brothers and sisters, spending time with them, playing and telling them a little of the stuff he knows about.
After an hour or so he tries to get Gretchyn alone.
"Mother... what is it you need more than anything else to give them a good upbringing? You've done so much for me and all of them. I really want to help."
"Of course, the bow will be for keeping Cauldron safe, mind!", Juraan tells Terram.
"But if Gretchyn allows it, I'll teach you a thing or two about using a bow."
Juraan will join JJ and Gretchyn later as well.
"I can always make a few remedies and other useful concoctions for your wards Gretchyn."
"Useful medicines that don't have hilarious side affects, like making hair turn green."
... with which Juraan gives JJ a mischievous wink ...
"Oh, yes, Terram is keen on having me take him for a few lessons with the bow on the range."
"And I have no idea where he could've gotten that notion."
"But I did tell him he has to be on his best behaviour and you have to give me the nod on it."
"I would never dare to cross the formidable Gretchyn!"
"I remember all too well how handy she is with a broom!" Juraan concludes with exaggerated horror.
"Essodydd and I both had trouble sitting for a week after that incident!" Juraan recalls silently.
Gretchyn smiles at Juraan her cheeks blooming in red when remembering about the incident "But I do not think is a good idea to show the boy the use of any weapon. I do see some cruelty on his heart and he needs to learn humility and empathy more than anything. I have to say no to this Juraan. Teaching him the use of a weapon is going to just cause more trouble than anything."
When JJ asks how can he help the halfling elder smiles with amusement "Do you remember those roofs you used to climb up to scape in the night? Well, after heavy rains of last season it have suffered just so much the roof seems a cascade now when it rains." she turns towards Patch "Our janitor is not known to be keen to heights, but you are just the best climber in Cauldron sure, you always were, so... if you just could help him fix the roof... I know is not the best moment for Cauldronites to help donating for the Orphanage but we sure can organize something and get the materials, and the children can help with moving things around..."
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"Of course I can! I love the view from up on the roof. You can see halfway across the caldera. "
Turning proudly to the others he adds "And I once saw the lake monster.... or well.. It certainly looked like a lake monster."
Kikinnin thanks the priestess for her help consulting Abadar, then inquires with Jenya if St. Cuthbert cares for the infirm the way that Wee Jas has been caring for Gemma. If they can care for his sister here, the black beard leaves her. If they can't, he begrudgingly returns his sister back to Wee Jas.
Turning to Ryan, Kikinnin sets plans back on the rails to regroup with the others. "We should probably meet back up. There are grave things afoot, and we're unable to rest."
Eventually, Kikinnin meets back with the others, his day mostly spent on his own errands. If not the Orphanage, probably the Tipped Tankard. The ratcatcher is not in the most pleasant of moods, and seeks to adjust his state of mind with the chemistry that only comes through generous quantity of reasonably-priced brews.
After all is said and done at the orphanage, Ryan had joined more to observe than to actually speak with Terrem; Ryan lets the others in on his training plans.
"I've spoken with Jenya and will be spending quite a bit of time in my studies, I need to refocus. After reflection on our trip back I believe Abadar has pointed me in the correct direction. Should you need me I will be at St Cuthberts."
Taking his leave Ryan will fall into his studies with a will.
Gretchyn smiles at Juraan her cheeks blooming in red when remembering about the incident "But I do not think is a good idea to show the boy the use of any weapon. I do see some cruelty on his heart and he needs to learn humility and empathy more than anything. I have to say no to this Juraan. Teaching him the use of a weapon is going to just cause more trouble than anything."
"Fair enough," Juraan says with an over-exaggerated bow to Gretchyn.
"I did tell him he had to be on his best behaviour and have your blessing.""Who knows? Maybe this will motivate him to behave."
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Once they're either done at the orphanage or the first moment she can speak to the others out of earshot of anyone else presents itself, Marigold coughs quietly.
"P-Patch told me the L-Last L-Laugh c-came sniffing around again, about T-Terrem," she informs them. "He s-swears he d-didn't take them up on the o-offer this t-time, and I b-believe him. B-But we need to f-figure out wh-what they w-want b-before they g-get b-bold!"
"It is odd a group like that would be taking interest in a kid in the orphanage like that."
Maxim also rejoins the group at their appointed time and venue
The gun-mage questions what's next;
"So where we at with all this invisigil stuff? Last Laugh takin' an interest ain't co-incidental... We should put the hard word on 'em..."
The dwur mulls the various scenarios concerning the group;
"So when we facin' the music o'er Zenith? Celeste an' Davked will most likely know we're back in town..."
"Oh..." Marigold's demeanor immediately withers a bit when Maxim reminds them that they still have a report to give. "Th-that's right...w-we should p-probably go and d-do that f-first and g-get it over with," she sighs.
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"Should you need me I will be at St. Cuthberts."
In his dour mood, Kikinnin doesn't let Ryan trek back to St. Cuthbert's until everyone's had their say, regarding the visit at the Orphanage, and his and the priest's recent conversation with Jenya.
Over his third spiked barley water, Kikinnin listens to the report of the others, and hums in acknowledgement at each tidbit.
""P-Patch told me the L-Last L-Laugh c-came sniffing around again, about T-Terrem. He s-swears he d-didn't take them up on the o-offer this t-time, and I b-believe him. B-But we need to f-figure out wh-what they w-want b-before they g-get b-bold!"
"It is odd a group like that would be taking interest in a kid in the orphanage like that."
"So where we at with all this invisigil stuff? Last Laugh takin' an interest ain't co-incidental... We should put the hard word on 'em..."
"I had the opportunity with Jenya to ask Abadar some questions." Kikinnin looks Marigold over, before continuing. "Asked several of them, in fact. For Abadar's Truth, I've gathered some nuggets of information."
"Both Marigold and Terrem are wanted. I think we already suspected that, but now there's the plain of it. The Marks, to me, mean the same thing. They're wanted so much so, whoever is seeking them will unearth Zenith, because death wasn't far enough to send him, to be out of their reach. The damned eyeball thing was powerful enough to place Terrem back in the Orphanage, with the Last Laugh looking in on him, apparently, and it's likely powerful enough to bring Zenith back from the grave to serve out its fell purpose."
Kikinnin looks on the halfling girl. "I don't know if we're strong enough to protect you, miss Marigold. Whatever the gods have allowed to come to pass, you're part of something black and hidden, and it's only a matter of time before it comes for you. When it does, it will likely come for Terrem and Zenith in the same time frame."
When the conversation turns towards seeking out Celeste, Kikinnin nods, ready to let Ryan off to St. Cuthbert, if the priest still has a mind to run off, or welcome him to join in the debriefing, once they find the woman, possibly at the Cusp.
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Maxim spits at the fell news his bror brings to the table;
"Hell's Teeth. Zenith dug up... The childe an' Lil' Miss wanted by this Eye. Fell portents bror..."
The gun-mage grimaces;
"We got courses o' action... One is we head back to the Deep. Dig up the zealot afore our shadowy foe does. Drag the basterd's cadavar to the Malachite an burn it in a furnace..."
He weighs his next words carefully;
"Terrem is only safe until they decree he ain't. Might be we need to move the lad, hide him away from 'em. That way Lil' Miss is their only option... an' that means comin' through us. Reckon even The Eye might baulk at the cost o' that?"
"I will accompany you to make the report, wether for good or ill, still remains to be seen."
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"Terrem has other things to worry about.." sighs JJ.
"He is not the fun loving kid he once was. I worry about about the path he is starting to walk. And I worry more that if he were taken away from mother he might stray even faster."
He looks unusually worried.
"I think we might need to do some research about that symbol. Surely in the Bluecrater academy there will be some reference or other.
But prior to that... maybe we should face the music."
A grin crosses his face for a moment.
"Marigold, I can't help but wonder if they don't know you have the symbol on you. And if that is the case, perhaps you should find some religious reason to cover your face. That may help keep you safe..."
The roof is actually in bad conditioning and requires a replacement on more than a single patch. Gretchyn insists on collecting the money in the city herself.
"It is traditionally the Wee Jas Church who occupies on those matters" Jenya's look becomes softer as she appreciates Kikinnin's disappointment "But... I think we can find a place for her somewhere in the temple rooms for now..."
After your conversation in the Tipped Tankard you reunite yourself again to visit the Cusp of Sunrise in search of Celeste and Davked.
You are received by Renjin who lets you go in but not before enforcing appropriate etiquette in the group. Inside you are received by the circular tower covered with bookshelves and iron ladders on sliding rails. A score of nobles are present, but only a few are reading. Most are clustered in conversation as they sip wine from slender flutes. A handsome man is playing a harpsichord on the small stage.
One of the blue-robed servants inform you Celeste is not at the Cusp at present and she has not been seen for the last weeks. Overhearing your conversation Vhalantru approaches you followed by Beswink and Liorial Lathenmire "Welcome back to Cauldron" with a small reverence he invites you to pick some drinks from one of the servants before continuing "Celeste had to leave town to tend to an emergency, I am sorry for having to inform you. She informed me you would come back looking for your bounty, and insisted I should make sure Zenith Splintershield is to meet his father before he passes away"
The man's expression becomes grief "I inform you before hand though Davked's health has become dangerously thin so I am not sure how all this business might result in the end"
-- back at the orphenage --
After a quick trip to the roof, JJ realises this is probably beyond his ability. Climbing down he quietly goes in search of a roofer who he can pay to help.
-----
Once at the Cup, JJ cannot hide his disappointment at Celeste not being present. He jams his mouth shut as the noble Vhalantru joins them, not wanting to make a fool of himself in front of the respected leader.
"Any notion of who 'they' are, Kikinnin?"
"Marigold must have something in common with Terram and Zenith."
"We should try to see if there's something else all have in common."
"Might give us some idea of what we're facing. And why."
(including the +6 bonus for researching at the academy)
Juraan is hoping that if he can find out anything about that mark,
it might shed a bit of light on what's happening.
Not being at all keen to take a lead in this awkward conversation, Juraan looks at Ryan and Kikinnin expectantly.
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As the others concern themselves more with detective work and research, the gun-mage gives a frustrated scowl.
"Right. Ye can all dig fer clues... Once we're done with Celeste an' Old Davked I'm headin' to the deep to dig up a body. We killt that zealot once, I ain't for dancin' that jig again."
Grim set the cantankerous merchant accompanies his companions to the Cusp...
As he enters Maxim strikes up a cigar as he mulls the news that Celeste is not here.
At Lord Vhalantru's words he merely chews on his stogie and fires the first volley;
"Old one's health is likely to get a mite thinner. Splintershield is dead an' buried. We put him down ourselves. No apology to the act... Zealot was rotten to his core. We did what was right."
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For his drinking in the Tankard, Kikinnin waves off the offer of more drink, as politely as he knows how.
"Aye, any discussion of bounty went up in smoke when we found the shell of a dwarf once called himself Zenith. We only wanted to let Celeste know that Dakved's request was a futile one. His son was dead to the dwarves a while now. Dakved might be able to depart for the Boneyard, knowing, at least." The black beard's tone holds no grief or sympathy, as he holds none for the thing wearing Dakved's face.
"Do you know the nature of this emergency, Lord Vhalantru? Did she speak of when she might return?"
Vhalantru hears shocked as for the news. He turns to look at Beswink and Liorial who seem clued by the conversation. The noble official turns to the group once more "You... you mean..." he cover his mouth with an embroidered handkerchief with much disbelief "You mean you found Zenith... and you... you... yourself... decided he had to die, then killed him? This is unexpected..." he turns agasp to Beswink "They killed him... the one they compromised to take home save, they decided to kill him..."
After a tense moment, the man suddenly breaks in a horrible laugh "You adventurers are quite the special lot. Well, I guess there is not much else we can do now. You were outside of Cauldron's jurisdiction and it will be difficult for anyone to prove you were the guilty ones on this assassination, so I guess there is little I can say here" Vhalantru looks specifically at Ryan at this point "Well, I guess I will need to figure out how to tell about this to Celeste once she is back"
He finally addresses Kikinnin's question "Oh, I think she mentioned something cryptic about orbital issues, does that say anything to you?" he makes a pause to let you speak then adds "Celeste said nothing about when she might come back, but I can let you know once she is back if you wish so. We became good friends during her stay. Quite a traveled and interesting woman"
Finally JJ speaks up.
"It was not that Kikinnin just decided to kill him. He was trying to kill us. He was insane and leading a cult of Kua-Toans. "
He shakes a little.
"They could have just said we couldn't find him, but Kikinnin did the honest and honourable thing here. We did find him, and barely escaped with our lives."
He pulls back a sleeve to show a barely healed scar. "This was from the axe he used to try and chop off my arm."
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"Some will listen to reason, others have lost the desire or the faculty to do so. Zenith was so far beyond talking to as we are now it isn't remotely funny. Bringing him home wasn't an option. When we faced him it was kill or be killed, perhaps Lord Vhalantru, you would have preferred he won. His previous followers were dancing a necromantic jig from the ceiling when we found him."
Ryan sips from the brandy glass he was holding.
"Then again he was consorting with a black dragon and some fish folk, while spouting the doom of Cauldron. Strange man to want us to bring home."
Vhalantru stops smiling, his expression changing to angriness as Ryan speaks "I guess I should expect you made sure none of your necromantic friends and kuo-toars tracked you back. Shall I call the city defenses to ready against an invasion?"
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"Hmmm, I should think today you're safe enough and the morrow from the Kuo-toa, however no town is ever without it perils. Moreso, even more dangerous are those that come from within. You make light of the duty that fell to us when we were sent into the Darklands to fetch Dakved's lost son, by Celeste and Dakved."
Ryan continues to sip from his brandy glass as he studies both Vhanlantru and the Lathenmire's; knowing that politicians ad nobles learned to hide the true feelings well.
"You... you mean... You mean you found Zenith... and you... you... yourself... decided he had to die, then killed him? This is unexpected... They killed him... the one they compromised to take home save, they decided to kill him... You adventurers are quite the special lot. Well, I guess there is not much else we can do now. You were outside of Cauldron's jurisdiction and it will be difficult for anyone to prove you were the guilty ones on this assassination, so I guess there is little I can say here."
Kikinnin looks Vhalantru over. The black beard's face becomes the epitome of poker, as little emotion passes behind his eyes while he tries to figure out the Lord's words. As Vhalantru comes to a close on his pronouncement, Kikinnin responds. He speaks steadily, aware that his mead buzz is finally fading.
"I'm confused as to why you'd laugh, Lord Vhalantru. I can't argue with what you've just said- we were tasked with bringing Zenith back, when we thought we were rescuing him. It became a judgment that mattered to Malachite, not Cauldron, so I'll agree with you on that. As for difficulty, I suppose it will be somewhat, if you demand proof of his remains. We'd have to return to the Darklands, where we buried him."
"Oh, I think she mentioned something cryptic about orbital issues, does that say anything to you?"
"It does. We won't trouble you with speculation, however."
Kikinnin waits for the others to conclude the audience with Lord Vhalantru. Unsure of their direction, the black beard doesn't feel like imposing on the Lord at present.
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"L-Look...I'm n-not s-scared," Marigold finally breaks in. "W-Well...okay, m-maybe a little, b-but...m-more for T-Terrem and a-anyone else in C-Cauldron that h-has this m-mark," she continues, quietly. "B-But wh-where c-could we t-take him or a-anyone else to k-keep them s-safe? M-Malachite has enough t-trouble...and I d-don't know that l-leaving C-Cauldron for s-someplace else w-would b-be any s-safer."
She scowls, running her fingers through her hair in frustration. "We need m-more information. A-b-bout this m-mark for s-sure and m-maybe even about C-Celeste and Davked, t-too. B-Because besides y-you f-folks...Zinli and L-Losriel at the Academy and L-Lissa...I d-don't know wh-who to trust anymore..."
_______
"D-Do you w-want to c-come into the D-Darklands with us to s-see for yourself?" Marigold remarks, trying to control her own temper. "B-Ball-Hamtuggin is a w-wonderous p-place...the d-decor is b-beautiful, wh-what with the c-creepy frescoes and the b-bodies everywhere..."
The halfling sighs. "L-Look...I'm s-sorry we didn't, c-couldn't d-do what C-Celeste wanted us to d-do, I r-really am. B-But we s-saw what we s-saw and encountered wh-what we encountered and I'm not s-sorry that we ch-chose to s-save ourselves. M-Maybe there's s-something we c-can do to help C-Celeste to m-make up for it, I d-don't know, b-but I'd be willing to t-try."
JJ puts a comforting arm around his little sister.
"We did the best we could Lord Vhalantru. We don't mean to be rude, but we are quite tired. We have been back a very short time after some very hard travels. And the first person we met demanded a new tax on us- which was hardly likely to put anyone in a good mood." says JJ, trying to explain things away.
When the lord speaks of invasion, JJ sighs. "I agree with Ryan on the score about invasion. If they wanted to, they probably could. But why would they? And where would you defend? Who knows how many different caves lurk inside and around Cauldron. You plug up one, and they'll find another if they really want to come out."
"Anyway, it's not all bad", Juraan adds ... "we now know much more about what about potential threats to Cauldron."
After the group leaves the cup, JJ pulls them aside into a nearby tavern.
"Did you hear what he said?" the youth asks excitedly.
"Okay, so maybe I'm just reading more that he said, but Lord Vhalantru said orbital issues. And Zenith was talking about a smoking eye... an orb."
He gazes out the window at the lake in the middle of the city.
"You know the Caulron lake is kind of orb like, and when it steams, that looks like smoke too. "
He shrugs. "I'm seeing circles everywhere now."
Vhalantru sips his own wine, then cleans his lips with the handkerchief "I belief you. I was surprised by the way you handled your mission. But anyway it was Celeste who tasked you with this, and it should not be me who judge your results. As for me, I guess I am discharged with my own duty with her"
"I am more concerned now with Cauldron's own well being" he looks at Kikkinnin "I am all ears to be troubled with speculation. Let me decide what should I dismiss as poorly related events and what should the city care" Lord Vhalantru hears Juraan with increased interest "What threats?"
Beswink speaks up "If there is any potential threat you have uncovered during your travels, young fellows, it is important you let the city know about it"
Wearing a frown, Maxim puffs on his cigar as he listens and watches the interplay.
"Folk who weren't there ain't got a say on the rights nor wrongs o' how we act. Neither you nor Celeste. Nor that old fool Davked. Way I see it we was charged with bringing back a myth. Reality was we found a monster. A monster we put down. Its what we do, what we been doin'... for the good o' all."
The gun-mage frown and tone does little to hide his irritation at the noble's cross-examination of the group.
"I am all ears to be troubled with speculation. Let me decide what should I dismiss as poorly related events and what should the city care."
For the recent accusation of assassination, the black beard refrains from speaking immediately. His own concerns of Malachite, and Vhalantru's concerns of Cauldron have come painfully into focus for the ratcatcher.
When Vhalantru's attention is shifted away, towards Juraan, Kikinnin visibly relaxes.
"Beneath the lands there are many threats. We met two dragons, and where there are two, surely there could be more. A society of dark dwarves was there also. "
He pauses as he thinks. "Perhaps the most dangerous is the Koa-Toan's. The frog men were highly organised and had individuals of great power. Of all the things below the ground, they to be appeared to be the biggest threat. "
"As I said, potential threats. Might not materialise any time soon."
"Everyone and everything down there seems keen on killing each other off."
"But it doesn't hurt to be aware of the potential."
Vhalantru listens attentively to JJ and Juraan "I see... but those Kuo-toa's you said you terminated them, and no one has followed you... Is there anything more?"
Once the Lords are sure your report is complete they dismiss you with good manners and move on to talk with other groups.
With the conversation completed the party is free to abandon the Cusp and focus on other personal matters.
Maxim's stogie tip flares a cherry red as he exits the Cusp, then he eyes his companions to gauge their respective takes;
"Celeste ain't even here... Vhalantru more concerned with what we might a done... Whole damn quest stunk from the start, and it ain't smellin' any sweeter..."
The gun-mage grips his fellow dwur's shoulder;
"I need to re-stock my black powder, study some in the arcane books... Once I'm ready I'll be headin' back to The Deep again bror. Iffen your communion was right then Zenith needs to be dug up an' disposed o' proper afore them that want him do it. I'll go softly, get Hack to guide me. No need for us all, not while we got questions still unanswered topside..."
After Vhalantru takes his leave from the group, Ryan takes a little time to peruse the library, searching for any text that might lead them closer to the smoking eye symbol that they've found.
"We should take advantage of the libary while we have a moment, who knows after that little discussion our visitation rights may have been revoked once we leave."
Cast Comprehend Languages
JJ leaves the Cup still feeling a little worried.
"You don't think that comment about orbital issues would relate to the smoking eye do you? I'd hate to think she was in trouble too..."
Over the next few weeks JJ invests some of his time, and like any well off young lad, wastes a large amount of it too in exciting activities such as Bathing, swimming in the lake, and hanging around with some of his less salubrious associates. It's not that he doesn't enjoy the company of the Watchers, but after a month or two travelling in the oppressive underdark in very close company with them, he feels a need for some space. Inspire of this, he checks in on Marigold at least every other day.
Not all his time is wasted however. He spends at least an hour a day at the Bluecrater academy, researching up on the Abyss, creatures from it and anything he can find about the invisible rune on Marigolds head.
He also spends some time every day practicing with his swords. This is normally done in the militia training grounds. Spending time there, he finds himself dragged into regular patrols as well, and is more than happy to do his bit to keep his home town safe by joining them.
Over the weeks he calls into the temple of St Cuthbert on a regular basis, maybe once a week, talking with Jenna, Ryan, or whoever is on duty there. The conversation always comes around to Uncle Alex, and whether he has returning. The absence of his closest (and probably only) living relative is starting to wear on him.
This of course leaves plenty of time for spending with Sara (and inevitably with her mother Tessa). He takes her out to dinner. Rowing on the lake, and even tries to get her to go to the temple once or twice.
Lastly the youth makes good on his promise to Gretchyn. He arranges some professional help, but does as much as he can himself on fixing the roof of the Lanern street orphanage. This of course gives him the perfect opportunity to hang out with his little brother and sisters, and most importantly to keep an eye on Terram.
Over the month he does his best to let Gretchyn take each of the orphans out for a "treat" to a show or a meal - and give her a treat too! And during these times he tries to get a feel for how they are getting on, and whether there are any tensions in the place. When it is time to take out Terram, JJ puts in a special effort, putting an emphasis on lighter entertainment that might not bolster the dark spark he fears is growing within his little brother.
[color=purple]Juraan's To-Do List for the Month[/color] ... [color=purple]for GM Rusteg to adjudicate[/color]
[color=blue]--------------------[/color]
Juraan has in mind several ingenious ways to throw away a lot of his money over the next month:
- Selling 10 of his 14 gems worth 100 GP apiece and give the the 1,000 GP proceeds to Gretchyn for the orphanage
- Upgrade his rapier ('Skewer') from masterwork to +1 (2,000 GP)
- Buy a +1 Ring of Protection as a gift to Shensen (2,000 GP)
Also buy a Chronicler's Kit (40 GP), found in Ultimate Equipment, which contains:
- one map case (scroll case)
- two vials of ink
- two ink pens
- ten sheets of paper
- two blank journals
- one pound of fine powder for drying ink
- one measuring cord, twenty-foot long
- This is intended for chronicling a trip of up to to months long
- and finally a waterproof bag to put that kit in (an extra 5 sp)
One blank journal (10 GP) for making notes on their recent trip to the Darklands, as well as any follow up research notes from the research done in the next spoiler.
This is in all in addition to the chest and superior lock he bought for his office in my Discussion page post.
He should therefore have (If I didn't make any errors in my maths):
- Gems: 4 x 100 GP gems (400 GP)
- Cash in office: 688 GP, 5 sp
- Cash on hand: 73 GP, 3 SP, and 5 CP
Rationale for Juraan's free spending:
- Short explanation: Whim!
- Long explanation: It was ... a whim!
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Juraan's main focus will be spending time researching at the Academy:
The most pressing concern, since it involves Marigold.
Looking for anything he can find on this topic.
Personal interest, obviously; looking for something on his own ancestry.
And maybe something that could explain Dhorlot's interest in Kikinnin.
Anything detailed, figuring there's an excellent chance we'll have to go back there sometime in the future (forewarned is forearmed category).
Also in anticipation of a return trip to the Darklands.
Wants all the basics about what to do and what not to do (forewarned is forearmed, etc.).
You never know when that cold come in hand in plugging holes in Cauldron's defences (forewarned is forearmed, etc.).
We met them once, so we probably will again (forewarned is forearmed, etc.).
ditto
Not met them (alive) yet, but doubtless will later (forewarned is forearmed, blah, blah, blah ...).
Interested in that dragon's history only because they managed to kill him. Looking for bragging rights more than anything else.
All these rolls include the +6 bonus for researching at the academy
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Juraan will try finding time for making a few acid flasks:
Attempt 1:
(done in 2 days)
Attempt 2:
(no progress made)
Attempt 3:
(done in 2 days)
Attempt 4:
(done in 2 days)
I'm using a spread sheet for the maths for these, so I hope those times to complete are correct.
Also included is the extra +1 for making use of his portable alchemy lab in his office.
Please let me know how many succeed, so I can spend 3.40 GP each for the materials needed.
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Finally, Juraan will try to do a bit of work on the side to make a little extra cash:
Attempt 1:
Attempt 2:
Attempt 3:
Attempt 4:
This will be his lowest priority for the month, so I'll let you decide how much, if anything, he can make on the side this way.
[color=blue]--------------------[/color]
"I need to re-stock my black powder, study some in the arcane books... Once I'm ready I'll be headin' back to The Deep again, bror. Iffen your communion was right, then Zenith needs to be dug up an' disposed o' proper afore them that want him do it. I'll go softly, get Hack to guide me. No need for us all, not while we got questions still unanswered topside..."
Kikinnin considers Maxim's decision. On the one hand, Zenith dead and buried probably won't be difficult for the Eye to find, and unearth, and revive... On the other hand, Abadar didn't specify exactly who would disturb Zenith's burial mound. For all he knows, it might be the Son of Fulgrentforge to do it.
"If you're going to travel, you're trying to do it quietly, eh? You wouldn't be safe, just you and the gnome." Kikinnin looks a might concerned. "You sure you're capable of traveling that whole distance safe, then return to Malachite with the body? Pretty risky, Bror." He looks the blond beard over, measuring the resolve behind his eyes.
...
Kikinnin spends half his time in Malachite, half his time in Cauldron.
While in the halls of the fortress, he speaks to strengthen his bonds with the dwarves who will keep the hearthfire alive. He helps heal those who push too hard in the Forge, as well as those who patrol the fringe of the Darklands. He petitions those who helped him before, to help him again to strengthen his equipment, reinforcing his armor, mainly. He gives Malachite his magicked light shield for their armaments, while he requests his full plate and heavy steel shield to be reinforced further. He doesn't decline the opportunity to spend time ratting, as well, pointing out better methods of storing food, and discouraging the whiskers from finding ways into the living quarters by stone and cement working the cracks and corners. He makes sure to spend a good chunk of time with his Mor, catching her up to speed, story-wise, especially when he returns from his visits with Gemma in Cauldron, above.
While in Cauldron, he spends time training on Church grounds, running errands for Jenya, and donating any earnings from his rat-catching to the Church coffers.
He does what he can to see to Gemma's care, speaking at her bedside of Malachite's restoration after tribulation. He studies her for signs of improvement, taking time to nag the healers for any new approaches to her treatments, hoping for a light to the end of her unknown tunnel.
He doesn't decline the opportunity to visit the Tipped Tankard, and indulge his thirst, either. He keeps his ears peeled, and his head down, for the most part, though he's not above inserting himself in between fellow bar patrons, should they grow unruly from drink. He's pretty sure most times that he's not the unruly one.
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Maxim meets the gaze of his fellow dwur, hears the gravelly words of wisdom and nods slowly with a hard smile;
”When you become the oracle o’ tough wisdom bror? Reckon yer right… Never contemplated me bein’ the grave-robber o’ yer prophecy. Huh…”
The gun-mage puffs slowly on his cheroot, allowing the cogs to turn;
”Ain’t too worried on the Malachite’s take. Had a mind to burn the remains with acid or black powder… but reckon ye have the right o’ it. If we have to put him down twice, so be it.”
Having been steered from his potential sojourn, the merchant arranges for his alchemical lab to be transported from Cauldron down to the Malachite for Hackbus’ attentions. He then spends time in the Hold crafting his black powder and bullets.
17 Doses of Black Powder 17GP
10 Regular Bullets 1 GP
1 Adamantine Bullet 31GP
10 Paper Cartridges 60GP
5 Cold Iron Paper Cartridges 60GP
5 Alchemical Silver Paper Cartridges 35GP
5 Flare Shot Paper Cartridges 25GP
2 Flasks of Alchemical Fire 40GP
Total of 2690SP worth of crafting to be completed.
: x 20 = 740SP
: x 20 = 740SP
: x 20 = 540SP
: x 20 = 740SP
4 Days worth of work :)
The gun-mage also extends an offer for him to enchant any of his companions weaponry…
”Plan to enchant some of my own arms, coin an’ time allowing. Any o’ ye want me to do the same for a weapon o’ your own, hand it o’er with the necessary coin an’ I’ll work my magicks…”
To enchant a masterwork weapon into a +1 weapon: CL = 3
Base DC = 5 + 3 = 8
Time = 2,000 @ 1,200gp/day = 2 days
Rush Job: 1 day @ DC 13)
+1 weapon to +2 weapon: CL = 6
Base DC = 5 + 6 = 11
Time = 8,000-2,000 = 6,000 @ 1,200gp/day = 5 days
(Rush Job: 3 days @ DC 16)
Maxim also pays a visit to Skie's Treasury to check out what stock she has...
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Marigold also expresses some worry at Maxim's declaration to return to the Darklands and dispose of Zenith's corpse for good.
"Are you s-sure th-that you t-two'll be okay on y-your own?" she asks as they make their way back outside of the Cusp. "I d-don't want to go b-back...b-but I will if it'll m-make the t-trip safer," she offers bravely.
_______
Depending on how Maxim answers her offer, Marigold spends the next several weeks working hard at the Bluecrater Academy to try and catch up on the pile of work that had built up...as well as attempting to stealthily research what she can about the strange mark she and others apparently bore.
In addition to her work and research, Marigold attempts to spend the remainder of her free time with little sister Anafa and friend Lissa; Anafa she takes for small day trips around the city - shopping, eating, and otherwise doing what she can to amuse, entertain, and sometimes even educate the little halfling lass. When it comes to Lissa, it's usually easiest to visit her at the Tipped Tankard at slow points of the day, but sometimes they too enjoy a girls' night out and about around Cauldron. More and more Marigold grows to enjoy these distractions that she'd once taken for granted.
Used to be I never appreciated these things back when life was normal and mundane...but after everything I've seen, I can't take anything for granted anymore.
_______
"What are you still doing here son?" intervenes Renjin looking serious at the cleric "I thought your group has already left. We are closing. I fear you will need to come another day if you want to keep reading your books. But I guess being a Taskerhill yourself it will not be that difficult for you to be invited as a member, provided you cover the 1000 gp fee" the keeper smiles broadly as he finishes his words.
After the party leaves the Cusp, and you walk down the avenue talking about your things, you sight Beppo, the fruit keeper with his cart. He is stopped by one of the tax collectors who this time is backed by a group of four half-orcs dressed with the garments of the city guard. You are far away but you seem to see Beppo discussing with his usual stubbornness. The half-orcs unleash their swords and the old man finally gives up placing some silver coins in a bag held by the red tabarded man who smiles and moves on with the half-orcs.
Jenya receives you at the temple on one of the days, along with Ruphus Laro and other of the temple's servants "As you know taxes are causing some frictions in the city as of recently" she talks with serious tone "It is not pleasant for anyone to pay taxes, but as you do know, the collection of taxes is a basic part of the maintenance of an advanced society. As such it is therefore holy to our god Abadar."
She makes a pause before resuming "As you know we are a frontier land and do not sometimes observe all the rites other civilized areas follow. Well, I do think it might be a good opportunity to establish in Cauldron a tradition already existent in some of those more traditional societies of the Inner Sea, the taxfest. Let's try to make this a bit easier for people to swallow it."
"And Ryan, I think you would be the perfect one to organize this festivity in Cauldron. You have the proper knowledge and both nobles and common people respect your word"
You do spend a lot of time working on your faith with Jenya. She offers you discussion about plenty of topics you had rarely thought of, but which really have an impact on how the world and human relations work.
As well as your studies with her prosper, you feel your faith grows stronger and it is backed up with a powerful divine surge in your blessings.
Nonetheless, you do spend time also working out with Rufus Laro and some of the other soldiers of the Church. You are told Alek Tercival is out in a research mission.
After four days of good crafting you are done with your alchemical work, possessing a new large allotment of well prepared ammunition. Meanwhile, Hackbus works along with you, mentoring in your perfection of the profession, and inspiring you to break any barrier blocking your creativity. The gnome goes wild crafting new explosive devices, and helps the dwarves to create new devices to exploit the iron and gold mines of the Malachite.
Kikinnin often visits the Malachite to talk with her mother, and you do find out time to craft and reinforce his armor and shield, fixing with new spells and stronger alloys the accumulated wear of acid and iron bites.
You do also found time to study all the arcane scrolls you have gathered during your adventures, and struggle to combine your previous knowledge with new ways to interpret the arcane texts in order to improve your magical tricks.
Back at Cauldron, you pay a visit to Skie's Treasury. She is well interested into hearing all your adventures in the Darklands, and shares back her past days in Cauldron catacombs and chambers. The gnome is cheerful to help you advance your magic and offers you her list of available magic stock:
+1 banded mail 1,400 gp
+1 chain mail 1,300 gp
+1 heavy steel shield 1,170 gp
+1 kukri 2,308 gp
+1 light mace 2,305 gp
+1 longsword 2,315 gp
+1 scimitar 2,315 gp
+1 Small dagger 2,302 gp
+1 Small leather armor 1,160 gp
+1 spiked chain 2,325 gp
cloak of resistance +1 1,000 gp
golembane scarab (flesh) 2,500 gp
hat of disguise 1,800 gp
handy haversack 2,000 gp
potion of cure light wounds (8 available) 50 gp each
potion of cure moderate wounds (3 available) 300 gp each
potion of haste 750 gp
potion of owl's wisdom 300 gp
ring of feather falling 2,200 gp
ring of protection +3 18,000 gp
rope of climbing 3,000 gp
scroll of dispel magic 375 gp
scroll of flame arrow 375 gp
scroll of fly 375 gp
scroll of ice storm 700 gp
scroll of lesser restoration 150 gp
scroll of levitate 150 gp
scroll of mirror image 150 gp
scroll of raise dead 6,125 gp
scroll of silence 150 gp
scroll of speak with dead 375 gp
scroll of dimension door 700 gp
scroll of wall of ice 700 gp
scroll of greater invisibility 700 gp
scroll of elemental body I 700 gp
sleep arrows (2 available) 132 gp each
+1 gnoll bane arrows (10 available) 160 gp each
+1 shock bolts (8 available) 40 gp each
wand of cure light wounds (25 charges) 375 gp
wand of cure moderate wounds (22 charges) 1,980 gp
wand of Melf's acid arraw (10 charges) 900 gp
wand of neutralize poison (7 charges) 2940 gp
Headband of alluring charisma +2 4,000 gp
Headband of inspired wisdom +2 4,000 gp
Headband of vast intelligence +2 4,000 gp
Headband of alluring charisma +2 4,000 gp
Headband of inspired wisdom +2 4,000 gp
Headband of vast intelligence +2 4,000 gp
One thing that strikes you during your stay in the Malachite is despite the lack of leaders all the dwarves seem to keep working well organized. The treasury and the Forge is seeing quite a lot of work, and wagons are often seen traveling from the Forge to the treasury and from the treasury to the surface.
Dolgrin avoids you as much as he can. You see him sometimes talking with the workers at the Forge, but he soon will disappear before he has to talk with you. You do see the other dwarves sometimes looking at your direction, but there are never bad words at you.
When you tell your friends about your Darklands adventure they all get very excited. One of them explains you a sort of evil aquatic druid from the Darklands has taken up residence in the lake, and it's planning to cast a spell to lure people into the water to transform them into its monstrous minions. Your friends laugh at him and he challenges all you to go check while you are still drunk. Despite you swim all over and around you find no trace of the told druid or anything resembling a devil.
This story seems amusing to Sara who insists to go check with you on the lake as well. One of the days you have a pleasant rowing morning around the lake for just most amazing enjoyment of you two. Sara wears a very fit claret dress and often lays over you to kiss you, letting you feel her hard nipples below the dress and unbalancing all the boat forcing you to take control of the oars once again. Both of you have a burst of laughing each times it happens. Sara explains you the Stormblades will be named "Champions of Cauldron" because they recently completed a dangerous mission in the tunnels below town and also asks you if it is true the giants in the mountains south of the city are getting restless and plan to invade Cauldron this winter.
During your studies at the Bluecrater Academy you learn plenty of new things about the Abyss and the demons that inhabit it. You do learn about the struggle between the angels and the demons, and the different layers that conform the Abyss. You come to request help to Marigold and her coworkers in the library in order to find more about the mark.
During your attempts to practice with the militia, you do discover the guard of Cauldron has changed much during your visit to the Darklands. In addition to the new stocks of weapons, the barracks are much improved and they are totally crowded by new guards. Most of the new recruits are half-orcs. Terseon Skellerang is so busy these days he is never available as he was before to talk, although both Dandarrion and Skylar Krewis are open to talk with you. Skylar in particular kindly rejects your help with a wide smile "Fortunately we have enough professional hands nowadays and no longer need to place Cauldron volunteers at risk. The new taxes are allowing us to secure the city against Umber Hulk rampages or whatever other danger that breaks in. But you are very kind to offer your help"
At the Church of St. Cuthbert, Jenya informs you Alek Tercival is not at town "He was here a couple weeks ago while you were at the Darklands. He payed a fast visit to me and also walked around the city to deal with some stuff he had found in his trips. I do know he sold some stuff to Tygot and then left again to continue his research" Some days later, you do know from Beppo that he was seen at the Drunken Morkoth Inn where the Stormblades were playing a home version of "snatch the gem" "I did not pay much attention at the beginning, but there was some discussion with them and then we all got amazed at the way Alek pulverized a bone die with his bare hand"
Finally, you commit to the task of fixing the roof at the Lanttern Orphanage. Patch convinces you to help him do it with your own hands and it takes you some weeks of good work, but you end up doing a quite decent job. While you keep working in the Orphanage, Temar the cook keeps inviting you and preparing some of your favorite food. Your closeness to the kid allows you to keep an eye on Terrem, who keeps being reckless and sometimes cruel with the other boys, but nonetheless he is much free and well cared at the Orphanage and he is kept save in there.
You spend your days shopping proper tools, improving your weapons and researching your arcane knowledge. It is easy for you to get a good chest, and Ghelve is really thrilled to sell you a very good quality lock "Free of master keys" Your Chronicle of the trip of go and return to the Darklands quickly advances and starts growing quite impressive to your taste.
Shensen likes your ring gift and looks to date with you around Cauldron at each opportunity. The half-elf is curious about the chronicle you are writing "You have to show me Jury, perhaps you can even sell the book once you are finished" she is also interested about your conversation in the Cusp "It is no surprise Lord Vhalantru wanted to know that much about any threads to the city. He is one of the lord mayor's most trusted advisors, and he was recently tasked with protecting Cauldron from future disasters"
During your research at Bluecrater's Academy, you do find plenty of interesting information. You do find Gotrrod is one of the sons of a dragon that terrified Cauldron in the past, whose name is Hookface. It appears the red dragon attacked on merchants and cities of the region 200 years ago intermittently for a century, while no heroes were able to defeat him. One hundred years ago Hookface retreated to his lair deep below the lowest tunnels of Cauldron with his mate, Taliraxia. The two dragons did not emerge from their lair, although periodically one of their spawn emerges to terrorize the area before being slain or moving on to other regions.
You find nothing about a Smoking Eye, neither any clue that might give weight to the party hypothesis.
There is one entry on a recent history treaty of the region that talks about a very young black dragon named Dhorlot that visited Cauldron's area 50 years ago. Apparently the dragon was known to had been revered as a cruel overlord and living among a minotaur tribe north in the jungle. There is just few information about him, but it seems the dragon had an obsessive drive to couple himself with humanoids of all sorts to expand his progeny. There are documented at least a couple of cases in Cauldron itself were the dragon had shapeshifted in order to trick a couple of human females into having sex. Those are just the documented cases where he had been discovered, but it is thought there might had been much more the young ladies that might had bedded with the dragon and had later progeny without noticing. The dragon's trace is lost a couple of decades ago, when one of the cases occurred and Skie's adventurer's party forced the dragon to fly away to never return.
You do learn much more about spelunking, the different layers of the Darklands and their inhabitants. As well as the drow, duergar and kuo-toas.
During the weeks you also found time to craft 3 acid flasks, and your alchemical works in the Academy delivers you with some extra 435 silver pieces.
In the Malachite fortress you find help from Maxim who forges up and reinforces your armor and shield, fixing with new spells and stronger alloys the accumulated wear of acid and iron bites.
Your mom seems to welcome much your visits in the hold and arranges everything for you to have a pleasant stay. She seems sorrow for the lost of your father, but she enjoys nevertheless to hear about your adventures in the Darklands and Cauldron's surface.
Little by little you do earn credit in St. Cuthbert Church. Despite Jenya's initial hardness, she starts to trust you some errands, specially trusting you to help Ryan organize the taxfest.
While ratcatching in the city you are faced with many people who explains you stories and rumors of all likes, some of them unbelievable, but others undeniably true. Among them you heard the City Council raised the taxes to buy a powerful artifact that will permanently protect Cauldron from future floods. Artus Shemwick in the Tipped Tankard also lets you know "A group of duergar have come to the tunnels below Cauldron seeking revenge against the heroes who disrupted certain slave ring weeks ago" but he has no prove about it other that some words he heard at the tavern. But most of the stories you heard are rattle about the tax collectors. Your clients provided you with a nice income of 365 silver pieces Jenya kindly receive to help the Church pay their expenses.
To much of your relieve, after a couple of weeks of cares at the Church of St. Cuthbert, Gemma starts to have a better skin color and more stable breathing. Ruphus Laro is positive about the progression of the young dwarven lady.
You three work together at the Bluecrater Acadamy library to find something about the mark. You spend days looking through books on different signs, mark, languages and other compilations. After some days researching hard on the topic, Marigold's coworkers take attention on your struggle and they come to know more out of curiosity. Losriel Tanaas stares at the symbol you draw for them and she then says "I... I think I have seen that symbol before..." when the elven woman feels you are waiting to know more she continues "Yes, I think I have seen it somewhere, in that bookshelf..." she quickly moves you through the library until she stops in front of the shelves dedicated to the outer planes. Losriel starts to tremble at that point "Yes... I... I saw it... it... it was on the cover of that book" she points at the shelve, at an empty spot in the shelve "It was in the cover of that book the tiger man and the giant took with them during the breakage... your friend... the ratcacher, he was here, he saw it too!" she suddenly breaks into tears and sits unable to keep his explanation out of fear to the feelings on reviving the experience.
Your work at the library is some days tedious, but your interactions with Losriel Tanaas and Zinli Yeziver make it much passable for you. Additionally you sometimes discover interesting pieces of information that makes you advance your knowledge about different topics of your interest. Your good work provides you a salary of 415 silver coins during your weeks work.
Time with Anafa is cheerful, compensating the darkness of all the weeks passed below the surface. She is a good girl and is always attentive to all your comments and advises, clearly seeing you as a mentor in addition to a friend. Not less quality is your time with Lissa who seems to enjoy much of all your stories of your Darkland's adventure "I would gladly like to compose a song about your adventures there below"
You gather together regularly at the Tipped Tankard. After a couple of weeks you are at the tavern during one of your evening gatherings, when a discussion breaks in between two drunken clients "I tell you, the umber hulk burrowed its way up into the city from the Darklands, because its caverns were flooded this winter. There are hundreds of such creatures down there, and if they discover how much food is available on the surface, they'll destroy Cauldron!" while the other screams back hitting the table "False! Maavu the caravan-master was keeping the umber hulk as a pet. If you didn't pay the price he offered you, he'd feed you to the monster!"